New Bacteria Found In Squid

Routine testing of raw squid in Saskatoon, Canada revealed a carbapenem-resistant strain of bacteria. Carbapenem is a so-called ‘last resort’ antibiotic, which means it is given to patients for whom antibiotics that are more common have failed.

Now, public health officials warn that we may get closer to being unable to treat certain infections.

Lead investigator Joseph Rubin, an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada told The Huffington Post we are at risk right now.

“Finding the bacteria in food is particularly concerning because it means that the risk for exposure for the public extends beyond people who have a particular travel history, or people who have recently been hospitalized. Many people bring food products into their homes, obviously, so if we find this in the food products, it’s a big concern.”

The bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, is not necessarily dangerous to people with good health, he explained. However, the microorganism he discovered carries a gene that produces the enzyme carbapenemase, which makes it resistant to Carbapenems.